Study Abroad Program Selection Guide
The first step to finding the right study abroad program is to think through your priorities for your international
experience. Ideally, the program you choose should be a good match for your academic goals, as well as your personal
interests and needs. Mark your preferences on the list below.
1. My main objective(s) is/are…
___ to immerse myself in another culture/language
___ to expand knowledge in my academic field
___ to gain skills/experience for my future career
___ to use my abilities to positively impact a local
community
___ to conduct research in my field of study
2. I would feel most comfortable with…
___ a high level of on-site support and structure
(planned activities, excursions, group meetings)
___ more independence and less structure
___ a good balance between support and independence
3. I would prefer to be in classes with…
___ WKU students
___ U.S. students
___ local students from my host culture
___ international students
4. I need to earn credit toward my…
___ major/minor
___ general education/Colonnade requirements
___ graduate degree
5. I want to go on a program that is…
___ very short (1-3 weeks)
___ short, but not too short (1-2 months)
___ semester-length or more
6. Rank the factors below in order of importance to you:
___ cost
___ academic credit offered
___ term of study
___ location
___ on-site support
___ opportunities for immersion
___ hands-on learning opportunities
___ close association with WKU
Understanding Program Types
Expenses
Credit
Structure
Length
Description
The chart below describes basic differences between types of study abroad programs offered through WKU.
WKU Faculty Led
WKU Exchange
WKU Partner Programs
Provider Programs
Programs organized
through WKU and led
by WKU faculty
members
Programs that allow you to
directly enroll at an
international partner
university and take classes
with local and international
students
Usually semester or
academic year, but a
select few offer summer
sessions
Programs with which WKU
is closely partnered,
including KIIS, CCSA,
Harlaxton College, and
Semester at Sea.
Programs with which WKU is
affiliated but not directly
involved (ISA, CIEE, CET,
Sol, IFSA, CAPA, CISabroad,
ISEP). Students from across
the U.S. participate.
Wide variety of program
lengths ranging from two
weeks to a full academic
year
Short-term programs
(between 10 days and
6 weeks) that are
typically offered during
summer and winter
You travel as a group
with WKU faculty and
students during most
of the program and
often have class time
in non-traditional
settings (e.g. on a
bus, in a museum)
WKU credit in a variety
of disciplines. Can be
major-specific or
general education
credit
Program fee usually
includes airfare,
tuition, housing, and
some meals. Fees are
charged through
Topnet.
Less structure / requires
more independence. You
are considered an
international student at
the university, and your
point of contact for on-site
support is the international
office.
Academic disciplines vary
by institution. Credit
transfers back to WKU.
Very cost-effective – no
program fee. WKU in-state
tuition and insurance are
billed through Topnet;
living expenses are paid in
country.
Harlaxton and Semester at
Sea are semester-length;
KIIS and CCSA have both
short-term and semester
programs.
All offer a high level of onsite support and frequent
excursions and activities.
U.S. faculty teach most
courses, with the
exception of KIIS and
CCSA semester programs.
Programs take many forms,
and their structure varies by
program provider. Most offer
a high level of on-site
support and include frequent
excursions and structured
activities.
Variety of subjects
available. KIIS and CCSA
offer WKU credit; all
others offer transfer credit
Wide variety of subjects
available. Credit transfers
back to WKU.
Program fees vary by
program and location.
Most fees are billed
through Topnet and
include tuition, housing,
and some/most meals.
Program fees vary by
program and location. Most
fees are billed through
Topnet and include tuition,
housing, and excursions but
not always meals.
WKU Student Teaching Program: This is a special program option that is only available to Education majors. You
spend the final month of your student teaching semester teaching English at a school abroad. Costs include typical
travel expenses and are very affordable. See the WKU study abroad program catalog for more information.
Most affordable programs – for the budget-conscious
Summer or Winter Term
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




WKU Faculty-Led
KIIS
CCSA
ISA
CISabroad
Sol Education Abroad (Spanish immersion only)
Semester or Academic Year








WKU Exchanges
WKU International Student Teaching
Harlaxton College
KIIS semester programs (language study only)
ISEP Direct
ISA
CISabroad
Sol Education Abroad (Spanish immersion only)
Programs offering the highest level of on-site support
Summer or Winter Term




WKU Faculty-Led
KIIS
CCSA
Program providers such as CIEE, IFSA-Butler,
AIFS, CAPA, ISA, CISabroad, Sol Education
Abroad
Semester or Academic Year




Harlaxton College
Semester at Sea
KIIS (language study only)
Program providers such as CIEE, IFSA-Butler,
AIFS, CAPA, ISA, CISabroad, Sol Education
Abroad
Next Steps:
1) Explore programs using the “Find My Program” catalog on the SAGL homepage: www.wku.edu/studyabroad.
2) Use the space below and the Program Comparison Worksheet to take notes on programs that interest you. Narrow
down your options based on your preferences and needs.
3) Meet with a Peer Advisor or Study Abroad Advisor to discuss your plans and learn about funding opportunities.
To schedule an appointment, click “Request Advising” on any program page.
4) Use the Financial Planning Guide to plan financially for your study abroad experience.
5) Apply for your program and for study abroad scholarships.
Notes:
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Program Comparison Worksheet
Explore programs using the “Find My Program” catalog on the study abroad homepage: www.wku.edu/studyabroad.
Take notes on programs that interest you and compare differences.
Program 1:
Location
Dates
Program Fee
What's included in
the fee
What's not included
in the fee
Academics
 Institution where
courses are taught
 Courses offered
 Faculty
Housing
Support Services
Excursions &
Activities
Additional Notes
Program 2:
Program 3:
Program 4:
Location
Dates
Program Fee
What's included in
the fee
What's not included
in the fee
Academics
 Institution where
courses are taught
 Courses offered
 Faculty
Housing
Support Services
Excursions &
Activities
Additional Notes
Program 5:
Program 6: